For the first time, using one type of adult stem cell, scientists have discovered a means by which to produce bone and muscle.
The technique coaxes stem cells to differentiate by using an ink-jet printer to lay down patterns of
January 7, 2007 by
Amniotic Fluid New Source for Multi-Potent Stem Cells
A new source of stem cells has been discovered reported scientists Sunday afternoon. A readily available supply of these new cells, which are found in amniotic fluid, could solve the ethical problems that surround embryonic derived cells.
The amniotic stem cells are pluripotent, with the capacity to develop into many different types of cells including, nerve, liver, fat, blood vessel, muscle, and bone cells.
“These cells are easier to get, and from acceptable medical procedures [for example, amniocentesis] that are done on a routine basis,” said study senior author Dr. Anthony, director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
“This is another source of multi-potential cells,” added Paul, director of the University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair, in Tampa. “Because the cells can be accessed either post-birth or through amniocentesis, it’s possible that people could store those cells. If the cell lines that are created were available, then people could do some research on a non-embryonic source, which eliminates all the ethical and political issues.”
The January 7th issue of Nature Biotechnology has reported on the discovery of the cells, which are known as amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells.
The hope is that treatments or even cures for conditions such as spinal injury, stroke, liver failure, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer
January 5, 2007 by
Paraplegic Woman Travels Abroad for Stem Cell Treatment
She just wants to be free. Kim is traveling to China with the anticipation that stem cell injections will give her legs back to her; and replace her wheelchair with a walker, while restoring her life back to normal.
Her friend Cheryl recently came back from China with regained mobility, and inspired the 32-year-old Kim to follow the same path.
Cheryl says that the stem cells she received have enhanced her mobility and given her more energy. She had to travel to China, after she broke her back from falling off a horse because the treatment is not available in North America.
“I know Cheryl and when she came back showing feeling and movement I thought she was so lucky, so I got the information from her,” said Kim.
“I welcome any little bit of recovery.”
When the driver of a car Kim was riding in fell asleep in 2003, they crashed into another vehicle. Thankfully, her children only suffered minor injuries; but Kim, she broke her pelvis, shoulder, neck, and her back.
Three months after the accident she was finally able to wiggle a toe. This was after doctors had informed her that she would be completely paraplegic.
“I felt if I could do that then what else can I do,” said Kim. With the help of insurance money from the accident, she is spending $20,000 for the treatments in China.
“I would mortgage my house to get more sensation.”
The month long treatments will being next week when Kim leaves for China.
January 3, 2007 by
Brain Damaged Teen Heads to China for Stem Cells
Tori is about to begin a journey that could transform her entire life, whether she is aware of it or not.
Tori was left with brain damage in June of 2005 at the age of 15, due to a car accident and near drowning. The capacity to speak, the normal use of the bathroom, and the power to eat on her own was robbed from her thanks to the anoxic brain injury she sustained. Her parents now feed her through ha tube in her stomach and Tori is restricted to a wheelchair when she leaves her bed.
Ranging from hyperbaric oxygen treatment to physical therapy, Tori
December 26, 2006 by
Cancer Patient Prepares for Adult Stem Cell Treatment
For the past three years, 36 year old Sabrina has been suffering from cancer that has invaded her lymph nodes, a condition that is better known as non-Hodgkin
December 24, 2006 by
Stem Cell Therapy Effective in Targeting Metastatic Cancer
Since they would be unable to bear the doses of treatment they would need to eliminate the tumors, patients with advanced cancer that has spread to many different sites often do not have many treatment options.
A technique to treat cancers that have spread throughout the body more effectively may have been discovered be researchers at City of Hope and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So that normal tissue neighboring the tumor and throughout the body remain relatively unharmed, they used modified neural stem cells to activate and concentrate chemotherapeutic drugs predominately at tumor sites.
“This approach could significantly improve future treatment options for patients with metastatic cancer,” said Dr. Karen, M.D., assistant professor of Hematology/Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Neurosciences at City of Hope. “It not only has the potential to destroy residual tumor cells, but it should also improve patients’ quality of life by minimizing toxic side effects such as nausea, diarrhea or bone marrow suppression.”
The study will be published Dec. 20th in PLoS ONE. A second paper with comprehensive results from the study has been accepted for publication in the January issue of Cancer Research.
Toxic to naturally fast-growing cells in the body such as intestinal cells and hair follicles, most chemotherapy drugs affect both normal and cancerous tissue. However, Dr. Karen and her colleagues have developed a way to localize the drug
December 24, 2006 by
Stem Cells Cure MS, Woman Dances and Walks Down the Aisle at Her Wedding
Suffering from MS, Jennifer didn
December 23, 2006 by
Thanks to Stem Cells, MS Patient has Best Six Months in 33 Years
Great-grandmother Julia has just had her best six months in 33 years even though she suffers from multiple sclerosis.
After going to have revolutionary stem cell treatment in Holland, Julia, 64, is experiencing an extraordinary turnaround from her degenerative illness. Since the therapy is banned in Britain, traveling was unavoidable.
Julia had been afflicted with multiple sclerosis for 33 years, and in July, the York Press reported on her already improving state since being treated in May.
To find out whether the stem cells in her body were still causing her condition to improve, the Press caught up with her for Christmas.
“I’ve had the best six months I’ve had in 33 years,” said Julia, of Bishophill, York. “My spine is stronger. I can move my body better.”
She was already experiencing welcome relief from the painful nerve endings – once so sore they kept her in bed for three months – when the Press reported on her condition just two months after treatment.
A feat she could only manage beforehand by supporting it with her other hand, she was once again able to put on her own make-up because she could lift up her left arm.
The ability to enjoy a hot cup of coffee is another life improvement Julia can enjoy again, in fact, she is enjoying it today.
Since disease meant her body could not cope with the heat, she would have to wait until hot drinks became cold.
Remarkably, her brunette hair has also started to grow back, where before it was grey.
Julia remains hopeful the stem cell treatment might improve her condition so much she could even walk again. She lost the use of her legs seven years ago.
“I’m still hopeful,” she said. “It’s probably wishful thinking, but I’m hopeful of it.”
When she was just 31, Julia was diagnosed with MS in 1973. She was ultimately restricted to a wheelchair as her condition progressively got worse.
In May, she decided to have stem cells injected into the navel, scalp, and spine. Her treatment was conducted using stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, a treatment which is not available in Britain.
December 21, 2006 by
No More Root Canals for Kids? Stem Cells at Work
Scientists report that kids may be able to say goodbye to the dreaded root canal thanks to the promise of stem cells.
Allowing the young tooth
